The next day, Yora began her research into the charity gala. She wanted to know everything—who was invited, who was organizing it, and what the main goal of the event was. After hours of digging through different sources and online articles, she managed to gather valuable details.
It came as no surprise that the event was strictly invitation-only and catered to high-profile individuals. But what caught Yora's attention was that the gala was being organized by the Choi Minsok Foundation.
Once she had collected all the relevant information, she excitedly shared it with Haein.
Yora said, "Haein, let's go to the gala. We've never been to such events before, right?"
Haein hesitated, "I'd love to, but we weren't invited."
Yora grinned slyly. "I have a plan."
"Oh? What kind of plan?"
"Yeonu has an invitation. I'll go ask him for it."
"Hmm, that could work," Haein said with a glimmer of hope.
"I'm off then!" Yora announced as she hurried out the door.
---
Veridien Holdings Headquarters
Yora arrived at her brother Yeonu's company and confidently walked into his office.
"Oppa, how are you?" she greeted cheerfully.
Yonu looked up, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
She sat down beside him with a bright smile. "I missed you."
"Really? Didn't we just see each other yesterday?" he asked, half amused.
Yora chuckled awkwardly.
"So, what did you mess up? Or do you need something?"
"Well... I do need something," she admitted. "Can I please have your invitation to the YI Charity Gala?"
Yonu's gaze turned a bit serious. "Why do you want to go there?"
"Come on, oppa, it's good for us to attend events like this. Haein and I will go. Please?" she pleaded, giving him big puppy eyes.
Yonu sighed, thought for a moment, then nodded and handed her the invitation. "Fine. But be careful."
Yora hugged him excitedly. "You're the best brother in the world! Thank you!"
---
Later That Evening, at Home
Yora and Haein stood in front of their closet, unsure of what to wear.
"What do we even wear to a gala like that?" Haein asked.
Yora thought back to the black outfit Jiu once wore and the white suit Sanghyun had on during an event. "I think I'll wear a black dress. You could go for a lighter color—maybe white or lavender."
Haein nodded and held up a lavender dress. "What about this one?"
"Perfect!" Yora replied.
---
Gala Night – The Grand Hall
The gala hall shimmered with elegance. Lights sparkled from crystal chandeliers, a red carpet stretched out to the entrance, and every guest was dressed in exquisite attire. The air was filled with sophistication and grace.
Kansok arrived first, looking sharp in a tailored navy blue suit. He walked in confidently, scanning the crowd. Then his eyes landed on someone—Yooheon. She wore a stunning white gown with her hair neatly pinned up, her presence delicate and radiant. Her beauty turned many heads, especially Kansok's.
He approached her slowly, smiling warmly. "You're here too?"
She smiled back. "Yes, I am."
The simple exchange felt intimate, drawing them subtly closer.
Soon after, Jiwoo and Sanghyun entered. Noticing Kansok, they exchanged surprised looks.
"You came too?" Jiwoo asked.
"Yeah. Representing the hospital," Kansok replied. "You guys?"
"We're here for the company," Sanghyun said, glancing at the woman beside Kansok. "Is she your girlfriend?"
Kansok's ears turned slightly red. "Not yet. Just a friend... for now."
Yooheon smiled and introduced herself. "I'm Yooheon."
The four exchanged polite handshakes and smiles, the mood light and welcoming.
---
Meanwhile, Yora and Haein Entered the Hall
They walked in together, looking around in awe.
Yora tugged at Haein's arm playfully. "So this is a charity gala?"
Haein laughed nervously. "Do we look like two girls who've never seen a fancy event before?"
Yora scanned the room and finally spotted Jiwoo and Sanghyun chatting near the center of the hall.
"There they are! Let's go over there."
"Oh no, don't tell me you came just for Jiwoo," Haein teased.
"I did, actually," Yora replied, grinning.
They approached the group excitedly.
"Hi, Jiwoo! Sanghyun!" Yora greeted.
"Hey! Didn't expect to see you two here," Jiwoo replied with surprise.
Yora smiled at him, hiding her nerves. Actually, I came hoping I'd see you, she thought.
"This gala is turning out to be more interesting than I expected," Sanghyun said as he met Haein's eyes.
There was a moment of quiet as their gazes lingered on each other.
Jiwoo and Sanghyun quickly introduced them to Kansok and Yooheon.
"This is Kansok, a close friend of ours," Jiwoo said.
"And this is Yooheon, Kansok 's friend... maybe future girlfriend," Sanghyun joked.
"Nice to meet you!" Yora said cheerfully.
Haein added, "Pleasure to meet you all."
Warm smiles were exchanged all around. The group quickly found themselves chatting easily, laughter bubbling between them. Despite the formal setting, their conversation flowed naturally, forming the beginning of new friendships—and perhaps something more.
Just as the mood was at its lightest, a staff member approached.
"Excuse me—Mr. Jiwoo, Mr. Sanghyun. The director is waiting for you. Please follow me."
The two exchanged quick glances before nodding, and the atmosphere shifted slightly. Something important was about to unfold.